The American hackleback sturgeon is also called the Shovelnose sturgeon because of the way the head is shaped. Other names this ancient fish goes by includes switchtail and sand sturgeon. This is one of nine sturgeons that populate the waterways of American naturally. Unlike its Caspian Sea cousins, the Hackleback is a fresh water sturgeon that thrives in the large rivers in the middle of the country.

Fortunately for those that appreciate the roe from the hackleback, it has largest by population of all the sturgeons in the wild. It is mainly found in the great muddy Mississippi and Missouri Rivers. This fresh water sturgeon only takes eight to ten years before the female can be mature enough to produce eggs.

Unfortunately they only spawn every three years but their numbers are so abundant that they are now being commercially fished. Fortunately this is the fastest growing sturgeon on earth and can reach 38 inches in just eight years. This size also makes it the smallest sturgeon on the planet.

As for taste of the American hackleback sturgeon, it is most commonly compared to the Sevruga and Beluga caviar that is caught in the Caspian Sea. The hackleback is a bottom feeder so its food source will vary from fish to fish. For this reason the taste seems to vary at times. Many state that it has a buttery taste while other samples have given off a nutty taste to them.

The roe itself is small to medium size so it will never be mistaken for Beluga even with the fresh nutty flavor. The color is dark to black in most instances that is natural.

Because of the abundant supply, this roe is also very reasonably priced. A one ounce tin can be easily found at prices of $17 to $24 each. Since this is considered a single serving, if you are going to throw a party then the seven ounce tin for just over $100 might fit your needs better.

This is fresh roe that is only lightly salted. Since it is not generally pasteurized, the shelf life in a refrigerator that is kept at 26F to 36F is only 4 to 6 weeks.

To enhance the flavor, many of the fisheries use the same salt as Russian caviar in an attempt to enhance the natural flavor and make the claim that the roe is processed in Caspian methods.

The American hackleback sturgeon is the most abundant of all the caviar in the world along with being the least expensive of the sturgeon caviar available today. The flavor is exceptional and is enjoyed around the world.

Related articles

• This is Our Caviar Blog (gourmetfoodblog.org)
• Why Russian Caviar is Favored (gourmetfoodblog.org)
• Purchase Caviar Online (gourmetfoodblog.org)

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